Lafayette, Indiana, USa
July 1, 2013

Services and expertise specific to Native Seed Species now a part of ICIA ICIA is excited to announce a new service for member customers. For several years ICIA has had requests from current customers and potential customers to perform germination, purity and tetrazolium testing on native species. Native species, in this context, are wild flowers, prairie grasses, sedges and other naturally occurring species that are used in seed conservation, restoration and reclamation projects, national and state parks, golf courses, wetlands and can be used in landscaping.

ICIA has hired seed industry veteran, Gilbert Waibel as the director of the native seed testing program. “Gil is a nationally recognized expert in the testing of native species and has provided industry leadership in the development of native species testing for many years,” says Alan Galbreth, ICIA Chief Executive Officer. “Gil’s experience will allow ICIA to begin offering this service to members in time for the late summer and fall harvests of these species.”

There are currently some challenges in the seed industry with regard to the testing of native species. Gil brings integrity and science based knowledge to the native seed testing arena. CEO Galbreth has this comment, “As with all of the testing we perform, this new program will be conducted based on science and the applicable rules and procedures for the species being tested. There are no short-cuts or deviations from standard operating procedures for seed testing which occurs at ICIA.”

Gil has been actively involved in seed testing for over 30 years. He has tested field crops, vegetables and flower seeds as well as native species. He has served on the board and been President of the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists (SCST). Gil is coming to ICIA from the Wyoming State Seed Lab where he has been the director of the seed laboratory for the past 10 years. In addition to his seed testing background he is very familiar with seed certification activities having served as the manager of the Colorado Seed Growers Association.

ICIA will be prepared to receive samples in time for late summer, early fall harvest. Inquiries regarding the testing of these species are welcome at any time. Please email Gil at waibel@indianacrop.org or call ICIA at 866.899.2518
 

Website: http://www.seedquest.com/yellowpages/americas/usa/i/indianacropimprovement/default.htm

Published: July 1, 2013